For gentle skin exfoliation, lactic acid is a preferred ingredient. It is an organic acid naturally present in certain fruits and vegetables. It can be found in different types of cosmetics such as serums, lotions and creams. How often should I use lactic acid products? When should I use it in my skin care routine?
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When and How Often Can You Use Lactic Acid for Your Skin?
Summary
- Reminder on the Benefits of Lactic Acid for Skin
- When To Use Lactic Acid in Your Daily Routine
- How Often Should Lactic Acid Be Used?
- How Long Should I Use Lactic Acid For?
- Our Lactic Acid Products
- Sources
Published March 1, 2024,
by
Sandrine, Scientific Editor
—
7 min read
Topics:
Reminder on the Benefits of Lactic Acid for Skin.
Lactic acid is a member of the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family. Naturally present in the skin, it is produced by the good bacteria of the skin flora. It is thus qualified as post-biotic. In addition, this substance is also found in certain foods such as sugar cane and wine.
here are many lactic acid products for skin care, including serums, tonics and creams. This active ingredient is highly valued mainly for its keratolytic properties. Indeed, lactic acid for skin eliminates the dead cells on the surface of the epidermis, accelerating cell renewal. Thanks to its properties, lactic acid is an excellent active ingredient to fight against the signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines) and against imperfections (acne, blackheads, post-acne spots). In addition to its exfoliating power, lactic acid maintains good hydration of the stratum corneum due to its hygroscopic properties. Moreover, scientific studies have also highlighted the depigmenting properties of lactic acid. Indeed, it inhibits the activity of the enzyme involved in the melanogenesis process (mechanism at the origin of melanin production): tyrosinase.
Compared to other molecules of the AHA family, notably glycolic acid, lactic acid has a gentle exfoliating power for skin. Unlike glycolic acid, which penetrates deep into the epidermis and can cause irritation, lactic acid acts on the surface. This is due to its higher molecular weight which does not allow it to penetrate the epidermis. Moreover, since lactic acid is a molecule naturally present on the skin, at the level of the Natural Moisture Factor (NMF), it is better tolerated by the skin.
Thus, lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive. It allows accelerating the cellular renewal while maintaining a good hydration of the epidermis.
When To Use Lactic Acid in Your Daily Routine.
Lactic acid for skin is a photosensitizing molecule, which means that it increases its sensitivity to UV rays. Therefore, in order to avoid the risk of sunburn or irritation, a lactic acid treatment should only be used in your evening skincare routine. Moreover, it is in the evening that cellular regeneration is at its maximum (between 11pm and 2am). Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen the next morning to protect yourself from the sun's UV rays.
How Often Should Lactic Acid Be Used?
A lactic acid treatment is generally used once a day, preferably in the evening. The first few applications may cause slight redness. This is simply the time needed for the skin to get used to the molecule. These effects will fade after several uses. If the redness is too significant, it is recommended to space out its use for a few days while the skin gets used to it, or even to stop using lactic acid skin care products.
How Long Should I Use Lactic Acid For?
You can use this active ingredient during your evening beauty routine, daily. There is no maximum duration of use, as this acid is gentle and generally well tolerated by all skin types.
Our Lactic Acid Products.
At Typology, we have formulated a gentle peeling serum for the facial skin containing 10% lactic acid. It removes dead skin cells revealing smoother, brighter and more even skin. It also contains acerola extract to fight against free radicals responsible for dullness. Apply 3 to 4 drops of your lactic acid serum on your face, only at night. Make sure not to use it in the morning and not to expose yourself to the sun after application. Limit any exposure for one week after application. The application of a broad spectrum sunscreen is strongly recommended. We recommend that you use your serum for at least 4 weeks in order to see its effects.
You can also use our peeling mask, enriched with 10% AHA and 10% PHA This concentrated gel-mask eliminates dead cells to unclog pores and refine skin texture. It leaves the complexion unified and the texture of the skin smoothed. Over time, it also helps to reduce the presence of blackheads. Like our gentle peeling serum, use this mask only in the evening and limit sun exposure the following days.
Sources
SMITH W. P. & al. Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1996).
Rotsztejn H. & al. Lactic and lactobionic acids as typically moisturizing compounds. International journal of dermatology (2018)
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